Many of this year's nominees are familiar to TV viewers. "Private Practice" star McDonald could make Tony history if she wins a sixth time; she is a nominee for playing Billie Holiday in "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill." She is competing with Emmy winners Tyne Daly ("Mothers and Sons") and Cherry Jones ("The Glass Menagerie").

Bryan Cranston of "Breaking Bad" is the favorite for actor in a play for portraying Lyndon Johnson in "All the Way." A fellow nominee is "Monk" star Tony Shalhoub for "Act One."

Neil Patrick Harris of "How I Met Your Mother" is the favorite for musical actor for the revival of "Hedwig and the Angry Inch," a huge box-office hit. The chance to see Harris as you've never seen him is one reason to watch this year.